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You love Jesus. You believe the gospel is good news. So why does telling someone else about it feel absolutely terrifying? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, host Ali sits down with Aaron Wakeman, Executive Director of Friends Network, to talk about evangelism—or, less intimidatingly, simply sharing your faith. After years of mission work, training missionaries, and having spiritual conversations with people around the world, Aaron has learned something surprising: people may be much more open to conversations about faith than we think. And you definitely don’t need to have all the answers before you start. In this episode, we get into: Why Sharing Your Faith Feels So Scary: The fear, awkwardness, and pressure that stop us before we ever startYou Don’t Need All the Answers: What to do when someone asks a question about Christianity and your honest answer is, “I don’t know”Stop Trying to Win: Why evangelism isn’t about winning an argument—and why that should take a huge amount of pressure offJust Tell Your Story: How sharing what Jesus actually means to you can be more powerful than trying to give the perfect theological answerPeople Are More Open Than You Think: Why ordinary conversations can naturally move into questions of hope, purpose, faith, and eternityThe Fear of Ruining a Relationship: What sharing your faith can look like when someone you care about believes very differently than youThe Pebbles You May Never See: Why one small conversation, prayer, or comment about your faith may be part of something God is doing over years—or even generationsYour “Back Pocket” Stories: How a few personally meaningful stories from Scripture can help you talk about Jesus without feeling like you need to know the entire BibleYou don’t have to be a pastor, missionary, theologian, or expert. You don’t have to answer every objection. And you’re not responsible for changing anyone’s heart. You just get to faithfully share what you know about Jesus and trust the Holy Spirit with the rest. And if you finish this episode feeling fired up but still wondering, “Okay… but how do I actually do this?” — good. That’s exactly where Part 2 picks up. Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

For the first time, no one is making you go to church. No one is choosing your friends. No one is telling you what to do on Friday night. So when the decisions are finally yours… what happens to your faith? In this episode, host Ali sits down with guests Kenzie, who is just beginning her first year of college, and Naomi, who has already walked through college, career changes, moving across the country, and plenty of unexpected turns along the way. Together, they talk honestly about the freedom, pressure, relationships, and big decisions that come with stepping into adulthood—and what it looks like when the faith you grew up with has to become your own. In this episode, we get into: When Your Faith Becomes Yours: What changes when your parents aren’t the ones getting you to church anymoreFinding Your People: Why Christian community matters and what to do when building real friendships takes longer than you hopedFriends Who Change You: How to recognize when a friendship is pulling you closer to God or farther awayPre-Deciding Your Boundaries: Why it’s easier to make the hard decision before you’re standing in the middle of the pressurePeople Pleasing & Identity: What insecurity has to do with the choices we make when we desperately want to fit inDating, Marriage & Timelines: Letting go of the pressure to find “the one” or have your entire future figured outMentors Matter: Why sometimes you need someone a few steps ahead of you to tell you the truth and point you back to JesusBeing Faithful Where You Are: How constantly chasing the next stage of life can make you miss what God is doing right now College. A new job. A new city. A new season. Whatever transition you’re walking through, you don’t need to have the whole thing figured out. Find people who will point you back to Jesus, stay rooted in God’s Word, and be faithful where your feet are planted today. Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

Is there a conversation you know you need to have, but you’re literally cowering under a blanket to avoid it? The one with the roommate, the coworker, the friend, the parent. So why don't we just... say it?  Host Ali sits down with Matthew Bown — director of Camp Phillip and communication coach — to unpack why hard conversations feel so scary, and how to actually have them in a way that's honest, kind, and rooted in real faith.  In this episode: Why we avoid conflict (hint: it almost always comes down to fear)The 4 types of communicators — and which one you probably areWhat "speaking the truth in love" actually looks like in real lifeWhy not saying something isn't as kind as you think it isHow to share hard feelings without it turning into a fightThe one rule that'll change how you handle every relationship conflictWhat Jesus has to say about hard conversations (spoiler: a lot) Whether you ghost conflict or charge straight into it, this episode will challenge you and give you real tools to do better. Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

What happens when faith, identity, loneliness, and grace collide in one honest conversation? Pastor Mike sits down with Ben Dose for a raw, compassionate discussion about growing up Christian while wrestling with same-sex attraction — the fear of being known, the weight of shame, and the discovery that God's grace reaches further than either of those things. This isn't a debate. It's not a lecture. It's a real conversation about what it looks like to follow Jesus while navigating identity, sexuality, singleness, community, and belonging in today's world. In this episode: Ben's story—what it felt like to realize he was same-sex attracted at 12 years oldWhy so many Christians carry this alone instead of bringing it into the lightThe pressure of labels, identity, and feeling like you have to "figure yourself out"What the church often gets wrong, and what it can get beautifully rightHow grace changed everything for BenLoneliness, friendship, and finding real communityHow to love your LGBTQ neighbors well, without fear or formulasWhat it means to build your life around Jesus firstWhether you're personally wrestling with these questions, love someone who is, or simply want to understand the conversation better, there's something here for you. God. LGBTQ. You. Sermon SeriesCheck out these messages we shared with our church family on this topic, as mentioned in this episode. Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

Motherhood isn’t always soft lighting, slow mornings, and perfectly folded laundry, and this episode isn’t pretending it is. In this real conversation, host Ali sits down with Lily Uitenbroek and Emily Chier to talk about the real early days of motherhood—the messy, emotional, exhausting, and deeply meaningful moments that don’t always get talked about. Whether you’re a new mom, hoping to be one someday, or just trying to support someone in this season, this episode meets you right where you are. In this episode, we open up about: What early motherhood actually feels like (beyond the highlight reel)The mental, emotional, and physical weight no one prepares you forMoments of doubt: “Am I cut out for this?”Navigating postpartum depression and anxiety honestlyWhy you might not feel instant connection, and why that’s okayGrieving your “old life” while learning to love your new oneThe importance of community—and how to find it when it feels awkwardMarriage in survival mode: communication, connection, and expectationsSimple, realistic ways to stay connected to your faith in a busy season Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

No one really teaches guys how to be honest. Not about stress. Not about temptation. Not about the stuff that actually weighs on you when you’re alone. In this episode, host Jason sits down with two 25 year old guys, Payton Dahlke and Jakob Ulman, who decided to stop pretending and started building something most men don’t even realize they’re missing: real brotherhood. The kind that goes past surface-level conversations and into the things that actually shape your faith and your life. This isn’t the kind of conversation you hear every day—but it’s probably the one most guys need. In this episode, we get into: Why most guys avoid deeper conversations (and what it’s costing them)The lie that strength means handling everything aloneWhat vulnerability actually looks like in real life, not theoryThe struggles no one wants to admit out loud (but almost everyone has)How community changes the fight against things like anxiety, lust, and prideWhat Jesus shows us about friendship, emotion, and dependenceHow to find (or start) real community when you don’t have it Bottom line: The things you hide don’t get healed––you were never meant to fight alone. Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

War. Headlines. Fear that won’t turn off. If your brain has been stuck in a doom-scroll spiral lately, you’re not alone. In this raw, unfiltered episode of Light Talks, Ali, new co-host Jason, and Pastor Michael Ewart go straight at the tension we’re all feeling right now—war, uncertainty, anxiety, and the quiet panic that creeps in when the world feels like it’s coming undone. Because let’s be honest— When everything feels fragile, what does your faith actually do? We talk about the thoughts we don’t always say out loud: Is this the end? What’s the point of planning anything? How am I supposed to raise kids or build a future when everything feels so unstable? This isn’t polished or preachy. It’s real. It’s honest. And it’s anchored in something deeper than the news cycle. In this episode, we get into: “We’re not in control” (and why that might be the most freeing thing you’ll hear today)Wars & rumors of wars — what Jesus actually said, and why none of this is catching God off guardWhen the news hijacks your brain — and how to take your peace backTurning anxiety into prayer instead of letting it spiralStaying faithful in your actual life (not the global chaos you can’t control)Grieving what’s broken without losing hopeWhy your life still has purpose right now—even in a world that feels like it’s shakingIf fear has been loud lately… this episode meets you there. Not with clichés. But with truth, perspective, and a reminder: God isn’t scrambling… even if the world is. Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

Let’s talk about the thing married couples don’t always talk about… sex, intimacy, and why marriage can start to feel more like roommates than lovers. In this episode of Light Talks, host Ali sits down with Dr. Brandon Steenbock and his wife, Nicki, for an honest conversation about what actually happens to intimacy after the wedding day. Kids, exhaustion, mismatched desire, postpartum seasons, loneliness—it’s not always the picture we imagined. Together, they unpack the Triangular Theory of Love—friendship, passion, and commitment—and how these three parts of love shift through different seasons of marriage. When one side of the triangle weakens, intimacy often follows. This episode isn’t about shame or pressure. It’s about bringing a taboo conversation into the light, naming the struggles couples quietly carry, and rediscovering what God designed intimacy to be. If you’ve ever wondered “Is this normal?” or “Are we the only ones dealing with this?” — you’re definitely not. In this episode we talk about: The Roommate Phase: Why so many marriages drift into friendship without passion—especially after kids.Mismatched Desire: One of the most common (and rarely talked about) struggles in marriage.Postpartum + Loneliness: How seasons of motherhood can deeply impact intimacy.The Triangle Check: Identifying whether your relationship needs more friendship, passion, or commitment right now.Awkward but Helpful: Scheduled intimacy, 15-second hugs, and 20-minute walks that rebuild connection.Covenant vs. Feelings: What to do when the spark fades but the promise remains.The Ultimate Source: Why your spouse was never meant to satisfy your deepest needs—only Jesus can.Healthy marriages don’t come from pretending everything’s fine; they come from bringing what’s hidden into the light. Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

Can you love Jesus and still struggle with anxiety or depression? Can you believe in prayer and still need counseling—or medication? Too often, faith and mental health get separated into opposing camps. In this episode, we’re bringing them back together. Join Ali, Pastor Michael Ewart, and professional counselor Mark Scherschel for an honest conversation about where theology meets psychology—and why you don’t have to choose between your faith and your mental well-being. In this episode, we tackle: Pastor vs. Counselor: How to know who to talk to and why these two roles should actually work as a team to support you.The "Weak Faith" Myth: Why struggling with mental health is not a sign of spiritual failure and why faith isn’t a "vaccine" that prevents mental illness.Social Media & Self-Worth: A deep dive into how scrolling creates habits of self-critique and comparison, and practical ways to "brick" your phone to protect your mind.Men’s Mental Health: Breaking the "macho" stigma, the reality of self-medication, and how to help the men in your life find the emotional vocabulary they need.Counseling 101: What actually happens in a session (spoiler: it’s not a Freudian couch), how to find a "good fit," and red flags to watch out for.Medication & Christianity: Answering the widely debated question: Can you take medication for mental health and still be strong in your faith?.Spiritual Warfare: Discerning the difference between a chemical imbalance, the brokenness of a sinful world, and direct spiritual attacks.Everything Is(n’t) Fine Sermon SeriesCheck out these messages we shared with our church family on stress, self-worth, anxiety, and depression, as mentioned in this episode. Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

Ever feel like you’re just drifting, trying to fill an ache with relationships, distractions, or substances, only to end up emptier than before? In this honest episode of Light Talks, host Ali sits down with 26-year-old, Jason Heil, as he opens up about his journey through a "dark place" where he chased worldly success—the house, the job, the relationships—only to realize that worldly achievements cannot fill a God-shaped hole. If you’ve ever doubted God, drifted from church, or wondered if you’re “too far gone,” this conversation is for you. Come hear how Jesus meets us right where we are—not after we clean ourselves up. In this episode, we unpack things like: The Struggle with Surface-Level Faith: Why growing up in a religious environment doesn't always lead to a personal relationship with God.The Trap of Escapism: A look at how alcohol, pornography, and media are often used to numb feelings of emptiness and unwantedness.The Myth of the American Dream: Why having a stable job and a home can still leave you feeling miserable and searching for more.Redefining Repentance: Understanding what repentance really means (and why it’s freeing, not guilt-heavy).Forgiving Yourself vs. Accepting Forgiveness: Why the Bible focuses on God’s forgiveness rather than the psychological struggle of "forgiving yourself."Serving Two Masters: The challenge of trying to keep one foot in the world while trying to follow Christ.The Truth for the "Too Far Gone": Why no mistake is too big for the radical, transformative love of Jesus. Download The Basics, by Pastor Mike Novotny, that was mentioned in this episode. Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

Welcome back to Light Talks, where we’re kicking off Season 2 by bringing the tough, messy, and sometimes taboo questions of faith into the light. Whether you are a lifelong Christian or completely new to your faith journey, our host, Ali, a fellow “question asker”, is joined by Pastors Mike Novotny and Jared Oldenburg to dive into the real-life questions you’ve been asking. In this episode, the team avoids "black and white" legalistic traps to focus on rooting practical life choices in Scripture. From the lighthearted debates over church dress codes to deep-dives into overcoming shame and addiction, no topic is off-limits as we navigate what it means to follow Jesus in the real world. If you’ve ever thought, “Can I ask this?” — this episode is for you. This episode will give you Biblical answers to the following questions: What should (or shouldn’t) you wear to church—and does God actually care?How can teenagers and young adults grow in their faith without feeling forced or fake?With so many Christian voices online, how do you know who to trust?Is it ever okay for Christians to swear, or does faith mean filtering every word?How do biblical teachings on discipline fit with modern ideas like gentle parenting?If Jesus teaches contentment, is it still okay to have ambition, goals, or career dreams?What’s the deal with speaking in tongues—is it real, biblical, or misunderstood?Where did evil and the devil come from if God created everything good?Q&A Sunday at 922 Ministries:We tackle questions like these during our annual Q&A Sunday services! Check out our most recent Q&A services here where Pastor Mike and Jared tackle even more questions! Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

Tired of the “So…are you seeing anyone?” Holiday interrogations? Feeling like your relationship status defines your worth or purpose? You’re not alone. In this honest, hope-filled episode of Light Talks, host Ali sits down with Jarrod Pfarr, a 34-year-old educator who is unmarried, to unpack what it means to live fully and faithfully right where you are.  Together, they dive into what Scripture really says about singleness (hint: it’s not a waiting room), how to deal with awkward assumptions and unwanted advice, and how to guard your heart in a dating culture that often misses the mark. Discover how to find joy, purpose, and contentment in the now and remember that your identity isn’t “single” or “taken.” It’s “child of God.” Period. Listen and leave reminded that God’s grace is bigger than your relationship status. This episode is jam packed with content. Here are some things to look forward to: Biblical View of Singleness: What Scripture—especially 1 Corinthians 7—teaches about devotion to God in singleness.Identity in Christ: Finding wholeness in Jesus rather than in a relationship status.Navigating Expectations: Handling pressure, assumptions, and exclusion single people often face in church and community life.Contentment & Growth: Wrestling with contentment, avoiding bitterness, and viewing singleness as a season of purpose.Dating Realities: Honest talk about challenges in today’s dating culture and how faith shapes the experience.Encouragement & Inclusion: How married friends and churches can intentionally include singles—and what to remember when feeling unseen. Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode! Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

Are you trying to figure out how to live out your faith when the rules aren't black and white? Join Ali, along with Pastors Michael Ewart and Steve Waldschmidt of 922 Ministries, as they tackle the real-world, rapid-fire questions that modern Christians face. The goal is not to create a rigid list of dos and don’ts, but to show how God’s word guides us in those complex gray areas where the world is super loud. This episode covers specific dilemmas that don't usually get a whole sermon, such as: "Can a Christian get a tattoo or do yoga?" or "Is it okay to watch R-rated movies or play violent video games?". In this episode you will be armed with a powerful, portable decision-making framework so you can discern what is Godly and good in every situation.  Here’s what we’ll cover! How to Make Godly Decisions in a Messy WorldLearn a five-step faith framework - God, Me, My Neighbor, Heart Check, and Wisdom - to guide everyday choices when the Bible doesn’t give a clear answer.Faith and Modern CultureCan Christians do things like yoga or buy lottery tickets without compromising their faith? The pastors unpack how to balance freedom and discernment.Personal Expression & IdentityWhat about tattoos, piercings, or cosmetic enhancements? This discussion explores when self-expression becomes self-focus, and how to honor God with your body.Entertainment, Media, and Mental HealthFrom Harry Potter to R-rated movies and violent video games, how do we filter what we watch, read, and listen to in a way that strengthens, not weakens, our faith?Relationships & InfluenceIs it possible to be friends with people who live differently, or even in open sin, without being pulled away from your faith? Hear practical wisdom on being “in the world but not of it.”Marriage, Divorce, and the Hard Realities of LoveThe pastors discuss one of the most difficult questions: Can a Christian remarry after divorce? They offer Biblical insight, grace, and encouragement for those walking through brokenness.Parenthood and Life ChoicesShould Christians use birth control or choose not to have kids? This topic digs into motives, stewardship, and how to trust God with big life decisions.The Power of WordsCan Christians swear? Explore what Scripture says about language, influence, and how our words reflect our hearts, even in everyday conversations. Our church also had 5 additional messages on these questions: Can a Christian Date or Marry a Non-Christian?Can a Christian Vote for that Political Party?Can a Christian Go to War?Can a Christian go to a Non-Christian School?Can a Christian Smoke Weed? Drink Alcohol? Check out these messages from our “Can a Christian…?” series on our Youtube page or on streaming on your favorite podcast platform by searching 922 Ministries! Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode! Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

Loss is something most of us struggle to talk about, especially when it comes to miscarriage or infant loss. In this deeply vulnerable episode, Ali sits down with Theresa Kramer and Kim Fenske, two women who courageously open up about their journeys through grief, faith, and healing after the loss of their unborn children. Their honesty reveals not just the heartbreak of loss, but also the unexpected places where hope and God’s presence show up. If you’re new to faith or searching for answers in the middle of pain, this conversation reminds you: you are not alone, your grief is seen, and God is near to the brokenhearted. Heads-up: This episode contains honest conversations about pregnancy loss, infant loss, grief, and infertility. These topics may be emotionally difficult or triggering for some listeners. Please listen with care, and give yourself permission to pause if needed. What you’ll hear about in this episode: The raw emotions of miscarriage and stillbirth - what it really feels like.The truth that “there are no rules to grief.”Wrestling with God: anger, questions, and finding hope again.How faith and Scripture anchor us in the darkest places.The different ways men and women grieve, and how couples can walk through it together.The importance of community and what may actually help when someone is hurting.Practical wisdom: what to say (and not say) to those grieving.Why it’s okay to lament, and how God meets us in our brokenness.Resources:  Faith Walk Passages: Romans 8:28, Romans 8:26-27, Psalm 34:18 & 147:3Song Suggestions: “Praise You in the Storm” by Casting Crowns, “You Already Know” by JJ Heller, “Honest” by Leanna Crawford, “Who You Are” by JJ HellerBooks: “Empty Arms” by Sherokee Isle, “Empty Cradle Broken Heart” by Deborah L. Davis, “Purposeful Grieving” by Dr. Stacy HoehlPodcasts: Dr. John Delony Show - Episode Oct. 2, 2020 (start at 27 min. Mark to 33 min.)Other Resources: WELS Women’s Ministry Webinar - “Little Lives with Jesus” (from Oct. 10, 2024), Cradled in Christ - Jan 10th @ The CORE, Christian Life ResourcesLights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode! Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.

Two brothers. Two wild stories. One Savior. Alex and Eddie Valdivia grew up between Mexico and the U.S., chasing identity in all the wrong places - fights, anger, atheism, astrology, even cholo culture. Both found themselves restless, searching, and far from God. In this episode Pastor Mike sits down with Alex and Eddie to share the unfiltered journey of how Jesus broke through their confusion, doubts, and destructive choices to give them new life. Their stories aren’t polished - they’re messy, and yet extremely full of grace. If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, felt like you didn’t belong, or wondered if God could actually change someone like you, this conversation will hit home. In this episode, we dive into: • The structural elements of a spiritual story: The back then, the but then, and the and now. • Alex's identity shift from displaced youth to adopting the "cholo" blueprint and embracing atheism. • Eddie's pursuit of wisdom through trendy mystical beliefs like the Law of Attraction and astrology. • The chaotic conversion process, which began with alcohol, weed, and seeking God's wisdom. • How modern philosophies borrowed knowledge from the Bible without giving God credit. • The profound freedom found in Romans 5:8 (While we were still sinners, Christ died for us), even while still struggling with past sins. • Advice on sharing faith with skeptical friends, just like these two were! Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode! Please note, any ads displayed during this video are not placed by 922 Ministries and are not necessarily authorized or endorsed by 922 Ministries.